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Heavy Rain Causes Flooding In American Samoa

Wind advisory in effect, small craft also advised to be aware of the dangers of thunder

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, December 31, 2016) – Heavy rain in American Samoa has caused flooding in parts of the territory.

One-point-eight inches of rain in two hours was recorded by the Weather Service early this morning as a South Pacific Convergence Zone continued to hover over the Samoan islands for a fourth day bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

A flash flood warning was issued shortly before 5 this morning local time which will be in effect till this afternoon.

Motorists on the road in the early hours of this morning crawled through flooded roads, with some spots covered in about two to three feet of water.

After 3 am loud thunder was heard in between spasms of lightning.

Winds also started blowing at 32-40 kilometres per hour with some wind gusts clocking in at 64 kph.

Our correspondent said a wind advisory was in effect, and small craft were also advised to be aware of the dangers of thunder.

Acting Meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service Hans Malala said the South Pacific Convergence Zone had been lingering over the Samoan group since Tuesday.

It's predicted that it will move slowly south by this afternoon.

The National Weather Service has warned people not to go outside when thunder strikes.

Pacific Islands Report is a nonprofit news publication of the Pacific Islands Development Program at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Offered as a free service to readers, PIR provides an edited digest of news, commentary and analysis from across the Pacific Islands region, Monday - Friday.